Putney played at Woodbridge (Va.) High, where he had a growth spurt after his sophomore year. He said his height never caused his coaches to inhibit him from exploring the perimeter.

"I like to shoot 3-pointers, but I haven't been making any. I've just got to keep working at it,'' he said.

Kellogg wants Putney to remember that players of his height have duties in the paint. As long as he keeps that in mind, his coach will allow him some freedom to move outside.

"He's still finding his way. He knows if he rebounds and plays near the basket, he'll play more,'' Kellogg said.

Putney is averaging 10 minutes, 2.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. He is 2-for-21 on 3-pointers.

Given those numbers, is the perimeter the place he should be?

"He's a better shooter than he's shown. I still have hopes that with more strength and maturity, he'll make some 3's and become a matchup nightmare,'' Kellogg said.

"I think he gets excited in games, and doesn't let the game come to him like he does in practice.''

Modest as his numbers look, Putney's game suggests high potential.

His entry almost always raises the entire team's energy level. His 3-pointers have not fallen, but a few have rimmed out and his technique looks pretty good.

Someone his size, though, is inevitably expected to lend interior presence at a school like UMass. Putney's best defensive role is in zones, which UMass has played more often lately - partly as a way to utilize Putney's skills.

"I like zone. It's more comfortable,'' said Putney, whose long wingspan is useful at the top of a 3-2 zone, and also effective in a 2-3.

St. Bonaventure is led by 6-9, 235-pound Andrew Nicholson, a junior who is averaging 20.1 points and 7.4 rebounds a game.

"When you can throw the ball inside and a guy has a chance for 30 points and 15 rebounds a game, that's tough to defend,'' Kellogg said.

Kellogg was asked how to best control Nicholson, who has faced mostly man-to-man defenses.

"Get him in foul trouble,'' he said with a wry smile.

"(St. Bonaventure has) had a chance to win every game except the one against Temple (an 83-55 loss). They defend well, and from my experience as a player and coach, that's a tough place to play.''

Kellogg said he expects to speak with suspended guard Daryl Traynham this week. The freshman did not return to campus for second semester classes, and his days with the team could be numbered.